Senior Risk Investigator
Irvine, CA
Full Time
Experienced
WHO WE ARE
Welcome to KORT Payments, where innovation meets excellence! We specialize in providing a state-of-the-art omnichannel payments platform designed to make business transactions a breeze. Our mission? To empower businesses with top-notch capabilities in compliance, risk management, and payment processing. Our trailblazing, enterprise-grade platform, coupled with a veteran management team, ensures we stay ahead of the curve in delivering unparalleled service and satisfaction.
As we expand our presence in the U.S. market, we're excited to bring our proven solutions and innovative approach to new industries, while continuing to operate under the KORT Payments banner alongside Merrco, Payfirma and Barnet.
LOCATION: California (hybrid role)
EMPLOYMENT TYPE: Full-time, exempt
SALARY RANGE: $80,000 - $90,000 annually
WHAT YOU WILL BE DOING
We are seeking a well-rounded, highly skilled Senior Risk Investigator to join our fast-growing organization and work alongside an all-star caliber executive team. The ideal candidate will bring deep investigative expertise, strong industry knowledge, and a proven ability to identify, assess, and mitigate merchant risk across both low- and high-risk portfolios.
This role demands exceptional analytical skills, sound judgment, and a compliance-first mindset. The Senior Risk Investigator will lead complex investigations, monitor merchant activity for emerging threats, and serve as a trusted advisor to leadership, bank partners, and card brands.
Portfolio Oversight & Investigations
Fraud Detection & Prevention
Compliance & Regulatory Alignment
Collaboration & Influence
Continuous Improvement & Leadership
WHAT WE ARE LOOKING FOR
Core Qualities:
Preferred Attributes:
Life At KORT Payments
We pride ourselves on cultivating an inspired culture characterized by customer-centricity, commitment, respect, and agility. Our high-growth environment promotes a supportive and collaborative atmosphere, fostering a growth mindset, intellectual curiosity, entrepreneurial spirit, and teamwork. Our leadership team is experienced and passionate about payments, taking pride in their achievements and the unique value they bring to the industry.
At KORT Payments, we believe work should be fulfilling and fun! Here’s a peek into what life with us is like:
Culture:
Perks and Benefits:
Welcome to KORT Payments, where innovation meets excellence! We specialize in providing a state-of-the-art omnichannel payments platform designed to make business transactions a breeze. Our mission? To empower businesses with top-notch capabilities in compliance, risk management, and payment processing. Our trailblazing, enterprise-grade platform, coupled with a veteran management team, ensures we stay ahead of the curve in delivering unparalleled service and satisfaction.
As we expand our presence in the U.S. market, we're excited to bring our proven solutions and innovative approach to new industries, while continuing to operate under the KORT Payments banner alongside Merrco, Payfirma and Barnet.
LOCATION: California (hybrid role)
EMPLOYMENT TYPE: Full-time, exempt
SALARY RANGE: $80,000 - $90,000 annually
WHAT YOU WILL BE DOING
We are seeking a well-rounded, highly skilled Senior Risk Investigator to join our fast-growing organization and work alongside an all-star caliber executive team. The ideal candidate will bring deep investigative expertise, strong industry knowledge, and a proven ability to identify, assess, and mitigate merchant risk across both low- and high-risk portfolios.
This role demands exceptional analytical skills, sound judgment, and a compliance-first mindset. The Senior Risk Investigator will lead complex investigations, monitor merchant activity for emerging threats, and serve as a trusted advisor to leadership, bank partners, and card brands.
Portfolio Oversight & Investigations
- Conduct in-depth investigations into escalated merchant activity, including suspected fraud, transaction laundering, excessive chargebacks, and regulatory violations.
- Review merchant websites, marketing content, fulfillment processes, and customer experience flows to identify compliance gaps or potential violations.
- Monitor and analyze high-risk activity across multiple indicators (chargebacks, refunds, AVS/CVV mismatches, decline ratios, G2 alerts, velocity changes, etc.).
- Use global data sources and industry monitoring tools to proactively detect emerging threats.
Fraud Detection & Prevention
- Leverage fraud detection platforms and data analytics to identify patterns, anomalies, and risk signals before they escalate.
- Recommend and implement rule adjustments, merchant-specific controls, or remediation plans to reduce exposure.
- Maintain a balanced approach — mitigating risk while supporting legitimate merchant growth.
Compliance & Regulatory Alignment
- Ensure all merchants comply with Visa, Mastercard, NACHA, FTC, and other applicable regulatory requirements.
- Maintain deep knowledge of card brand compliance programs (VAMP, VFMP, MATCH, ECP, etc.) and apply consistently.
- Prepare clear, defensible reports for executives, banks, and regulatory partners.
Collaboration & Influence
- Partner with Underwriting, Compliance, Operations, and Sales to align investigative findings with onboarding and portfolio management decisions.
- Communicate complex findings in clear, actionable terms for both technical and non-technical audiences.
- Influence risk control adoption through credibility, data, and collaboration.
Continuous Improvement & Leadership
- Mentor junior analysts and elevate investigative standards across the team.
- Recommend process enhancements and technology improvements to strengthen oversight.
- Stay current on evolving fraud tactics, enforcement trends, and high-risk merchant models.
WHAT WE ARE LOOKING FOR
- Minimum 5+ years in merchant risk investigation, compliance, or fraud prevention within the payments industry.
- Proven track record of managing investigations involving high-risk verticals (direct marketing, nutraceuticals, subscription billing, telehealth, CBD, gaming, etc.).
- Expertise in card brand rules, acquiring bank risk programs, and regulatory compliance frameworks.
Core Qualities:
- Analytical Excellence: Strong pattern recognition, data analysis, and root cause investigation skills.
- Decision-Making & Judgment: Balanced risk tolerance, consistency in applying policies, and decisive action when needed.
- Communication & Documentation: Ability to prepare clear, concise, and defensible investigative reports.
- Problem-Solving: Creative approach to risk mitigation that balances business growth with compliance requirements.
- Ethics & Integrity: Objectivity in assessments and a strict adherence to confidentiality.
- Collaboration: Skilled at building productive relationships internally and externally.
- Continuous Learning: Proactive in staying ahead of emerging risks and regulatory changes.
Preferred Attributes:
- Experience working directly with acquiring banks and card brand compliance teams.
- Background in affiliate marketing oversight and digital advertising compliance review.
- Investigative experience across both high- and low-risk merchant segments.
Life At KORT Payments
We pride ourselves on cultivating an inspired culture characterized by customer-centricity, commitment, respect, and agility. Our high-growth environment promotes a supportive and collaborative atmosphere, fostering a growth mindset, intellectual curiosity, entrepreneurial spirit, and teamwork. Our leadership team is experienced and passionate about payments, taking pride in their achievements and the unique value they bring to the industry.
At KORT Payments, we believe work should be fulfilling and fun! Here’s a peek into what life with us is like:
Culture:
- Fearlessness: Encourage continuous learning, innovation, taking chances, and pushing boundaries.
- Accountability: Take ownership and be accountable to yourself, the company, partners, and clients.
- Collaboration: Leverage diverse perspectives and work as a team to get the job done.
- Transparency: Empower success through open communication, honesty, and inclusion.
Perks and Benefits:
- Directly influence the company’s risk strategy and merchant portfolio quality
- Comprehensive Benefits Package: We've got you covered with health, dental, and vision plans.
- Flexible and Inclusive Work Environment: We understand the importance of work-life balance and provide the flexibility you need to thrive.
- Fun Events: From team-building activities to company-wide celebrations, we love to have fun and recognize our hard work.
- Professional Growth: We support your career development with ongoing learning opportunities and the chance to take on new challenges.
- Work Hard, Play Hard: Enjoy a dynamic environment where your contributions are valued and your potential is unleashed.
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